The Cyber Security Authority (CSA) has issued an urgent public alert regarding a sophisticated wave of fraudulent parcel delivery and clearance scams targeting Ghanaians during the 2025 festive period.
As online shopping volumes peak toward the New Year, the Authority noted there’s an increase in phishing attacks where criminals impersonate reputable courier services, most notably Ghana Post Company Limited.
“These scams are designed to harvest sensitive personal and financial data by exploiting the high expectation of holiday deliveries.
“The modus operandi involves victims receiving unsolicited text messages claiming that a parcel cannot be delivered due to “address issues” or that a shipment is awaiting immediate clearance payment”
Cyber Security Authority
According to the CSA these messages contain malicious links that redirect users to fraudulent websites meticulously designed to mimic legitimate logistics platforms. Once on these fake sites, victims are prompted to “update delivery details” or “complete payment,” providing a gateway for fraudsters to steal names, phone numbers, and mobile money credentials.
The CSA noted that these threat actors rely heavily on urgency and emotional triggers to bypass a victim’s natural caution. By threatening that a parcel will be “discarded” or that “clearance charges will increase” if payment is delayed, scammers force users to act impulsively.
This surge in phishing activity comes just months after the government launched the 2025 National Cyber Security Awareness Month, where it warned that as digitalization drives development, it simultaneously creates new vulnerabilities for exploitation.
To combat this, the Authority is working in close coordination with the newly inaugurated Joint Cyber Security Committee and telecommunications operators.
Also, under the leadership of the Minister for Communication and Digital Technology, Hon. Samuel Nartey George, the recently established Cyber Security Fund is intended to provide sustainable financing for initiatives like the 24-hour incident reporting points.
This is to ensure that the CSA can proactively disrupt these fraudulent schemes and hold perpetrators accountable under the updated legal framework.
Recommendations for Digital Safety
The CSA stressed that public vigilance remains the primary defense against such cybercrimes, advising citizens to verify any delivery claims directly through official courier websites or verified contact numbers, rather than clicking links provided in SMS messages.
Furthermore, the Authority encouraged the public to adopt a policy of skepticism toward any unsolicited request for payment, especially for items they did not personally order. “Avoid making payments for parcels you are not expecting or did not personally order,” the Authority recommended.
As part of the government’s “A Safe, Informed and Accountable Digital Space,” theme for 2025, the CSA has also expanded its reporting channels to provide immediate assistance to victims and urged anyone who suspects they have been targeted by a phishing link or a delivery scam to use the dedicated reporting points.
“The CSA has a 24-hour Cybersecurity/Cybercrime Incident Reporting Points of Contact (PoC) for reporting cybercrimes. You can call or text 292, WhatsApp 0501603111, or email [email protected]”
Cyber Security Authority
With the 2025 festive season drawing to a close, the administration remains committed to its digital job creation and resilience goals. By demystifying cybersecurity through public alerts and school-based curricula, the government aims to reduce the success rate of these malicious actors.
This latest warning aligns with the government’s intensified focus on digital resilience and the enforcement of the Cybersecurity Amendment Bill 2025, which aims to protect the nation’s 24 million internet users.
“Verify delivery claims directly with the courier company using official websites or contact numbers, not links provided in messages,” the CSA concluded.
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